Washing Appliance

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a washing appliance and more specifically a laundry appliance. The present invention relates to a drum, ( 1 ) for a washing machine that allows increased capacity without the need to increase the size of the overall appliance. The drum comprises a receptacle having a solid outer wall with at least one aperture and means ( 19 ) for guiding liquid purged from laundry toward the aperture such that the liquid is expelled.

The present invention generally relates to a washing apparatus, and morespecifically a laundry appliance.

The first aspect of the present invention relates generally to a drumfor a laundry appliance, and more specifically to an improved drainagesystem for a laundry appliance.

In general, a washing machine follows a sequence of pre-set actionsdepending on a program selected by a user. Typically, a washing machinecomprises a drum into which laundry is placed. During a wash program thedrum fills with water and is then caused to rotate so as to cause anagitating fin therein to ‘agitate’ the laundry. Next, the dirty water(and detergent) is drained and the drum spins to remove most of thewater. The drum then refills with clean water and is again caused torotate so as to agitate the laundry and ensure it is thoroughly rinsed.Finally, the drum is again drained and caused to spin at high speed soas to remove as much water as possible from the laundry at the end ofthe cycle.

In conventional washing machines, a drum generally comprises two mainparts, the first being an inner perforated cylinder, into which thelaundry is placed, housed within a larger water-tight cylinder, arrangedsuch that the inner cylinder can rotate therein. Clearly the usablecapacity of such a drum is limited by the need for co-axial cylinderswith a gap therebetween.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a washing machinedrum of increased capacity, without proportionately increasing theoverall size of the appliance.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there isprovided a drum for a washing machine, the drum comprising:

-   a generally cylindrical receptacle which is rotatably mounted within    a washing machine housing and has an opening for loading and    unloading laundry, wherein said receptacle is guiding liquid purged    from said laundry upon rotation of said drum towards said at least    one aperture such that said liquid is expelled from said receptacle    via said at least one aperture.

Preferably, the means for guiding liquid purged from the laundry uponrotation of the drum towards said at least one aperture comprises achannel, preferably having a proximal deep end and a distal shallowerend, relative to said at least one aperture, such that rotation of thedrum forces the liquid from the shallower end to the deep end and saidliquid is expelled from the receptacle via said at least one aperture.

Beneficially, a plurality of said channels are provided in respect ofsaid at least one aperture. Beneficially, said drum is provided with aplurality of apertures and one of more respective to channels arepreferably provided to guide said liquid purged from said laundry uponrotation of said drum towards each of said plurality of apertures.Preferably, a plurality of said channels guide said liquid purged fromsaid laundry upon rotation of said drum towards said plurality ofapertures. A plurality of said channels may be provided in a herringboneconfiguration.

Preferably, a valve is provided within said at least one aperture tocontrol the flow of said liquid through said aperture and in the casewhere said drum comprises a plurality of apertures, each said apertureis beneficially provided with a valve. The valve(s) may be actuated bymains water pressure or by a centrifugal force generated by the rotationof said generally cylindrical receptacle, providing the significantbenefit of being able to release water from the drum when stationaryand/or when spinning. This enables improved control of the evacuation ofwater from the drum, such that evacuation may be actuated both when thedrum is rotating and when the drum is stationary.

Beneficially, said opening comprises a hatch, said hatch being liquidlight when in a closed position and permitting the loading and unloadingof laundry when in an open position.

Thus the above mentioned object is achieved by providing a drumconsisting of a single cylinder that is generally substantiallywater-tight under normal conditions, yet can purge water therefrom bothduring a ‘spin cycle’ and when the drum is stationary, thereby removingthe need for co-axial cylinders as described with reference to the priorart and as such increasing the usable capacity of the drum, althoughco-axial cylinders may still be used under some circumstances.

The present invention extends to a washing machine comprising a drumaccording to any one of the preceding claims, rotatably mounted in ahousing, drive means for rotating said drum during a wash cycle, andcontrol means for controlling one or more parameters of a wash cycle,wherein said control means comprises means for interrupting a wash cycleand permitting access to said opening in said drum.

Preferably, said opening is provided in a side wall of said drum andsaid control means is arranged and configured to halt rotation of saiddrum so as to interrupt a wash cycle when said opening is at or close totop dead centre (TDC) of said drum, such that access to said opening canbe permitted whilst retaining liquid within said drum.

Thus, the configuration of an exemplary embodiment of the inventionenables a user to pause a wash cycle and open the drum, which is notpossible with conventional designs.

A second aspect of the present invention relates generally to laundryappliances and more specifically to a means for supplying water for usein a wash cycle of a laundry appliance.

In general, when a wash cycle is initiated in a washing machine, coldwater is drawn into the rotational drum and heated therein to therequired temperature prior to commencing the wash cycle. Hot, dirtywater that has been used during the wash cycle is then drained out ofthe drum, to be replaced by a further quantity of cold water from themains supply. Not only is this process wasteful of water, but it alsorequires a significant amount of energy to heat the very cold waterbeing pumped directly from the mains supply in respect of every washcycle. Furthermore, because the cold water is heated in the drum (withthe laundry) the choice of heating means is limited to means that can beprovided in the drum and can be used in close proximity to the laundrywithout damage to either the laundry or the heating means. Thus, it hasnot always been possible to use the most energy efficient water heatingmeans in conventional laundry appliances.

It is an object of the second aspect of the present invention to providea water supply system for a laundry appliance which overcomes at leastsome of the problems outlined above, and can significantly improve theenergy efficiency of a laundry appliance relative to the prior art.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there isprovided a water supply system for a washing machine having a rotationaldrum for receiving laundry, the water supply system comprising areservoir having means for permitting water to flow between saidreservoir and said drum, the reservoir further comprising an inlet forenabling said reservoir to be filled with water and an outlet forenabling water to be drained from said reservoir, the system furthercomprising means for filling said reservoir and maintaining saidreservoir substantially full of water between washing cycles of saidwashing machine, and means for transferring water from said reservoirinto said drum for use in a wash cycle.

Thus the above-mentioned object is achieved by providing a reservoir,separate from the washing machine drum, that is filled with cold water(from the mains supply) between wash cycles. The water, which is held inthe reservoir between washes will often have time to be heated to atemperature approaching the ambient temperature of the surroundings, sothat it requires less energy to heat the water up to the correcttemperature for the selected wash cycle. In one exemplary embodiment,means may be provided for delaying commencement of a wash cycle untilthe water in the reservoir is at least a predetermined temperature.Preferably, heating means are provided for heating the water in thereservoir prior to transfer thereof to said drum. Because the water isheated in the reservoir and not in the drum, any energy efficientheating means can be used, e.g. microwave heating means. Such heatingmeans may be provided in the flow path between said reservoir and saidwashing machine drum, or said reservoir may contain heating means, toheat water held therein. In the latter case, said reservoir may bedivided into a plurality of sub-reservoirs, wherein one or more of saidsub-reservoirs beneficially contain a heating means to heat water heldtherein.

Beneficially, pumping means are provided for pumping water between saidreservoir and the drum of said washing machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the reservoir when it issubstantially full of water acts to counter balance vibrations generatedby rotation of said drum during a wash cycle. Thus, the water supplysystem can conveniently double up as a ballast system for the washingmachine. The water supply system is beneficially controlled by thecontrol program of the washing machine.

Beneficially, the reservoir is mounted on or adjacent the outer wall ofsaid drum, such that heat from the water therein during the wash cycleis transferred to the water in the reservoir, to aid in raising thetemperature thereof.

A second aspect of the present invention extends to a washing machinehaving a drum and a water supply system as defined above.

A second aspect of the present invention further extends to a laundryappliance having a rotatable drum and a ballast system comprising areservoir having an inlet for enabling said reservoir to be filled withwater such that the weight thereof acts to counter-balance vibrationsgenerated by rotation of said drum during a laundry cycle and an outletto enable water to be drained from said reservoir, said laundryappliance further comprising transport members extending from the basethereof and resting on a support surface when said reservoir is empty,said transport members being mounted via compressible means relative torespective recesses in said base of said laundry appliance such thatwhen said reservoir is filled with water, the weight thereof acts tocompress said compressible means and cause said base of said laundryappliance to be lowered towards said support surface such that at leastsaid compressible means enters said respective recesses and the base ofsaid laundry appliance rests on said support surface.

Thus, by mounting a washing machine on a set of selectively contractibleand extendable transport members, such as rollers, the rollers willprotrude from the base of the machine when the weight of the ballast isbelow that required to counter-balance the rotation of the drum, in use,thereby allowing the machine to be moved easily on the rollers. When theweight of the ballast is increased to counterbalance rotation of thedrum during use, a large downward force is created in respect of thewashing machine, and the machine is lowered towards the ground, forstability during use. The washing machine is pushed down over therollers so that they are retracted into respective recesses in the baseof the machine.

Beneficially, said roller means comprises at least one castor wheel, andmore preferably a plurality of castor wheels.

Preferably, said compressible means comprises at least one spring.

Beneficially, a set of pads or the like are provided on the base of themachine to increase friction between said machine and said supportsurface.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from,and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein.

A third aspect of the present invention generally relates to consumerappliances and more specifically to a programming system suitable forsuch appliances.

Consumer appliances have evolved in recent years from simple machinesinto feature-rich complex products. For example, current washingmachines have several user-selectable options to tailor a wash to anindividual's needs, including numerous temperature settings, materialtypes, spin speed, in addition to a large number of special functionssuch as easy iron, extra rinse and even a child lock facility.

With such a wide range of functions and features, everyday use of modernappliances has become somewhat arduous, and it is therefore an object ofthe present invention to provide a programming system, for an appliance,that is simpler to control accurately.

In accordance with a third aspect of the the present invention there isprovided a programming system for controlling an appliance comprising:

-   -   a single manual control means;    -   display means;    -   a plurality of actionable events;    -   wherein, said actionable events are represented graphically on        said display means, said manual control means providing a means        of selecting in combination a plurality of said plurality of        actionable events.

Preferably, said plurality of actionable events are divided intoexecuting events, master events and sub events, said master eventsdefining a number of said sub events and said executing events executingsaid master event and said master events may be configured, using saidmanual control means, to contain any number of non mutually exclusivesaid sub events.

Beneficially, said programming system remembers a plurality ofpreviously selected configurations of said actionable events.

Preferably, said single manual control means comprises amulti-functional button.

Beneficially, said display means comprises a single LCD array, and/or anarray of LEDs, each of said LEDs in said array of LEDs beingidentifiable as to associating with a respective said actionable eventand said array of LEDs is configured as two concentric ovals, an inneroval and an outer oval, with textual annotation identifying a respectivesaid actionable event for each LED in said outer oval, said inner ovalproving a cursor function to identify which LED of said outer oval iscurrently selected, said cursor function being manipulated by saidmanual control means or said array of LEDs is configured as twoconcentric ovals, an inner oval and an outer oval, with textualannotation identifying a respective said actionable event for each LEDin said inner oval, said outer oval proving a cursor function toidentify which LED of said inner oval is currently selected, said cursorfunction being manipulated by said manual control means.

A third aspect of the present invention further extends to a washingmachine, being controllable by a programming system according to asystem as described. Preferably, said washing machine comprises a recessand said programming system is provided in a module arranged andconfigured to be retained within said recess and selectively retractedtherefrom for use.

Thus the above mentioned object is achieved by utilising one buttonoperation for selecting features by way of a cursor to control the stateof the appliance.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates generally to a rotatingdrive linkage, suitable for a variety of applications including washingmachines.

Many machines include parts or components that rotate about an axis,these parts often being driven by motorised means. In many cases, thecomponent to be rotated is directly driven by a motor, via some gearing,but this is only feasible when there is a capacity for the motor and thecomponent to be situated adjacent to one another. If there is a distancebetween the motor and the point of contact of the component then anintermediate linkage, or drive linkage, is used to span the gap andensure that the force generated by one is applied to the other, and thiscan be in the form of a belt, shaft, chain or the like.

The constraints imposed by drive linkage are that they generally are notdesigned to accommodate relative movement between the components theylink. FIG. 12 of the accompanying drawings shows a belt system 300utilised to link two components 302, 304 laterally. Such a systemgenerally uses a tensioning pulley 306 to ensure there is no slack inthe system. This allows a certain amount of relative movement betweenthe input 302 and output 304 components, as demonstrated by moving theoutput 304 b and accordingly moving the position of the tensioningpulley 306 b. However, this certainly cannot be done during operation.Referring now to FIG. 13, a shaft orientated drive linkage 310 is shown,commonly used to link components longitudinally. An example is a propshaft in a four-wheel drive car. Here there is the possibility for asmall degree of elliptical movement between the two 312, 314, providingeither one or the other is not fixed in space and further providingeither end of the shaft 316 has a connection 318 allowing for multipledegrees of freedom. This movement is however primarily lateral and thereis no provision for pure longitudinal separation.

It is an object of the fourth aspect of the present invention to providea drive linkage in respect of two or more components that allows forlongitudinal relative movement between the components.

In accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention there isprovided a drive linkage for linking at least one rotatable input meansand at least one rotatably mounted output means, such that rotation ofsaid input means causes corresponding rotation of said output means viasaid drive linkage, wherein said drive linkage comprises at least onelinkage member configured to enable longitudinal relative movementbetween said at least one input means and said at least one outputmeans.

It will be understood that the longitudinal relative movement is in adirection substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of said inputand said output means.

In one exemplary embodiment of the fourth aspect of the presentinvention, the linkage member may comprise an extendable and retractablelinkage member for enabling said longitudinal movement. Alternatively,the linkage member may comprise means for selectively decoupling andrecouping said at least one input means and said at least one outputmeans. Preferably, in this case, the linkage member comprises means forselectively disconnecting and reconnecting said input means (i.e. thedrive) relative to the output means.

Preferably, the drive linkage comprises at least one linkage armpivotally connected at one end to said input means and at the other endto said output means, the linkage arm comprising a pair of substantiallyrigid, elongate bars, rotatably connected together. The drive linkagemay comprise a plurality of said linkage arms. The linkage arm isbeneficially configured such that in its contracted position it fitsagainst or within the contours of a face of the input and/or outputmeans.

Alternatively, said resiliently flexible linkage means may, for example,comprise a spring or one or more telescopic members.

Preferably, said at least one input means comprises a rotatably mountedshaft.

Preferably, said at least one output means comprises a rotatably mounteddrum of an appliance such as a washing machine. In fact, the presentinvention extends to a laundry appliance having a rotatably mounted drumlinked to a rotatable shaft via a drive linkage as defined above, andmeans for rotating said shaft so as to rotate said drum via said drivelinkage.

Thus the above mentioned object is achieved by providing a linkage, suchas a resiliently flexible linkage, connecting at least one input meansto at least one output means, that efficiently communicates a rotationalforce therebetween, yet permits a degree of longitudinal movementrelative to one another in the allowed plane.

A fifth aspect of the present invention relates generally to dispensingapparatus for a washing appliance, and more particularly, to anautomatic dispensing apparatus for liquid substances, such as detergentand fabric softener, used in washing appliances including washingmachines and dishwashers.

The drawer of a washing appliance, such as a washing machine, isdesigned to accept consumable substances such as washing powder, tabletsor liquid detergent, as well as liquid fabric softener. When pouringliquid or particulate substances into the above-mentioned draw, it ispossible to dispense too much or too little or to spill the substanceand mix detergent and softener. When using a consumable in a form otherthan tablet, such that the user has to gauge a dosage of the substanceto be introduced to the wash, it is often difficult to determine thecorrect amount that is required relative to the amount and type oflaundry being performed, which can lead to an inadequate wash, orunnecessary wastage.

It is therefore an object of the fifth aspect of the present inventionto provide a dispensing apparatus for automatically dispensing asuitable quantity of a washing substance so as to alleviate at leastsome of the problems outlined above.

In accordance with the fifth aspect of the present invention there isprovided, a dispensing system for use in a washing apparatus, the systemcomprising at least one reservoir for holding a number of doses of awashing substance, regulating means for selectively opening saidreservoir to release a pre-determined quantity of said washing substanceheld therein in response to a control signal, said control signaldefining said predetermined quantity and causing said regulating meansto open said reservoir for a period of time sufficient to release saidpredetermined quantity of said washing substance.

The system preferably further comprises means to determine the weight ofthe contents of the drum, such that said predetermined quantity ofwashing substance is calculated based on the weight of the contents ofthe drum. The predetermined quantity of washing substance is preferablyadditionally dependent on the washing program selected.

Preferably, the dispensing system comprises a plurality of reservoirs,for holding respective different types of washing substance.

Beneficially, said regulating means comprises a valve, or morepreferably, a plurality of valves, the state of which are actuated by acontrol signal.

Preferably, said control signal is generated by a control program.

Said at least one reservoir may be supplied with a pump for pumping awashing substance from within said reservoir to said regulating means,said pump preferably being controlled by a control program. The controlprogram is preferably arranged and configured to control the parametersof a cycle of said washing apparatus, said parameters being at leastpartially definitive of said predetermined quantity of said washingsubstance. Alternatively, a gravity-controlled feed system may be usedinstead of a pump.

Preferably, said at least one reservoir has a re-sealable hatch, forallowing the ingress of liquid, said at least one reservoir which may beof a transparent or translucent material, and preferably being removableand replaceable, to allow for cleaning of said reservoir, possibly byhand or in a dishwasher, for example. In a different embodiment, said atleast one reservoir may be disposable and may be removed and discardedfor bio-degrading, to be replaced by a further disposable reservoir.There is preferably further provided a receptacle for receiving awashing substance, said receptacle being in fluidic communication withsaid reservoir and said pump. This feature provides the benefit that thepump will not empty of washing substance thereby preventing the pumphaving to be purged every time the reservoir is emptied.

The fifth aspect of the present invention further extends to a washingapparatus having a receptacle for receiving a load of laundry and adispensing system as defined above, wherein means are provided forcausing said predetermined quantity of said washing substance releasedfrom said reservoir to be introduced into said receptacle.

Thus, the above mentioned object is achieved by providing at least one,and more preferably two reservoirs for disposal in or on a washingapparatus, wherein electronic dosage regulation means, beneficiallylinked into the main control program of a washing apparatus and thelaundry weight determining means, determines a quantity of liquid orparticulate detergent and/or liquid fabric softener required for aparticular size and/or type of laundry load, and automaticallyadministers the substance accordingly during a laundry cycle. Inaddition, this arrangement eliminates the need for a user to manuallyadminister detergent(s) in respect of every laundry cycle.

These and other aspects of the present inventions will be apparent from,and elucidated with reference to, the embodiment described herein.

Embodiments of the aspects of the present inventions will now bedescribed, by way of example only, and with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of a flat, unassembled drum according to anexemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 a shows a cross-sectional representation of the sum gradient ofthe channels;

FIG. 2 b is a schematic representation of the drum from FIG. 1 asassembled;

FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of a first exemplary dump valve for use inan arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspectof the present invention; and

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are schematic front and cross-sectional viewsrespectively of a second exemplary dump valve for use in an arrangementaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the first aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a drum and ballast tank of a washingmachine according to a first exemplary embodiment of the second aspectof the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a divided ballast chamber according toa second exemplary embodiment of the second aspect of the presentinvention; and

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are schematic diagrams illustrating a set ofspring-loaded castor wheels that operate in relation to the ballasttanks in an exemplary embodiment of the second aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a menu arrangement of a programming systemaccording to a first exemplary embodiment of the third aspect of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a pull-out programming module according to afirst exemplary embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention,including a display carrying the menu of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a programming system according to a secondembodiment of the third aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of the information that may be displayed on ascreen according to first and/or second embodiment of the third aspectof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrative of a drive linkage accordingto the prior art comprising a belt;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrative of a drive linkage accordingto the prior art comprising a shaft;

FIG. 14 is a schematic side view illustrating a variable drive linkageaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the fourth aspect of the presentinvention, shown in its closed configuration;

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of the drive linkage of FIG. 14 shownin its open configuration; and

FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive linkage of FIG.14 shown in its open configuration.

FIG. 17 is a representation of the system according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a representation of the system according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a representation of the system according to a thirdembodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention, beingcharacterised by removable pods.

FIG. 20 is a representation of the system of the third embodiment of thefifth aspect of the present invention including further beneficialfeatures.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, a drum 1 according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention is formed of an elongaterectangular piece of metal, which is bent round and the ends joinedtogether to form an open cylinder. There is a suitably sized, possibly,but not necessarily, substantially rectangular aperture 2 locatedapproximately centrally in terms of the length and width of the metalpiece forming the drum 1, that provides an opening for placing laundryinto and removing laundry from, the drum 1 when assembled 3. A pluralityof elongate drain channels 5 are provided in the piece of metal 1, whichchannels 5 run laterally across the piece of metal.

Referring to FIG. 2 a of the drawings, the drain channels 5, when viewedcross-sectionally all slope in the same direction from a shallow startpoint 7 to a distal deep end point 9. Each deep end point 9 defines avalve housing 8 comprising a circular purging aperture 13 locatedcentrally in an offset circular recess 15, such that if the piece ofmetal were to be held in a substantially horizontal orientation and aquantity of liquid were introduced to a drain channel 5 at the shallowstart point 7 (or indeed at any intermediate point along its length), itwould flow due to gravity from the point of introduction to the deep endpoint 9 and through the circular purging aperture 13 located centrallyin an offset circular recess 15. In FIG. 2 a, the sum gradient that isdefined by the configuration of all the drain channels 5 can clearly beseen. A tapered portion 17 of the drain channel 5, located behind thepurging aperture 13 (relative to the shallow start point 7), provides areverse gradient that ensures that most liquid that is directed towardsthe purging aperture 13 exits at that point.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the elongate drain channels 5 are each fed bya respective plurality of elongate, parallel guide channels 19, arrangedin banks and having substantially the same sum gradient as the drainchannels 5. The guide channels 19 run into a respective drain channel 5at an angle of substantially say, 45° and any two adjacent banks ofguide channels 19 are arranged in a herring-bone configuration as shown.Such a herring-bone configuration provides increased performance over anarrangement whereby water is directed in an opposing direction to apurging aperture 13 located within the spine of the herring-bone.Utilising a channel along the spine of the herring-bone directing waterto an outlet at the point at the tip of the chevron or herring-bonewould also provide reasonable water purging, however, through the angleand increasing depth of the guide channels 19 and drain channels 5directed towards apertures 13 provides increased water purgingefficiency. For the available surface area with which to direct waterfrom the drum 1, the use of such a herring-bone arrangement directingwater to a cornermost purging aperture 13 leads to significant waterpurging of the drum 1, in particular along the spin cycle.

Referring now to FIG. 2 b, the drum 1 is shown, in its assembled form,i.e. a cylindrical drum 3. As the drum 3 rotates about its central axis21 with an angular velocity 23, a centrifugal force 25 (F) is created,as shown. It will be apparent from FIG. 2 b that this force 25 actsperpendicular to a plane on the circumference of the cylinder 3 and willcause any liquid inside the drum to move to the inner walls thereof andinto the guide channels 19. The water then flows from the guide channels19 into the respective drain channels 5 and then the valve housing 11.Thus, water inside the drum 3 is directed, during a spin cycle, tospecific points, i.e. the valve housings 11 provided at the wallthereof, and as such, means such as a dump valve can be provided atthese points to expel the directed liquid as a by-product of thespin-cycle.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings, across-sectional perspective representation of two respective exemplaryembodiments of a dump valve 27 are shown. The dump valve 27 comprises anupper section and a lower section separated by a cylinder separatorwithin which is provided a stem seal 29 a, through which passes a valvestem 31. In the upper half of the valve, the piston head 33 is providedwith a piston head seal 33 a that provides a liquid-tight seal betweenitself and the surrounding inner face of the wall 35 of the uppersection. The cylinder separator 29 may be formed integrally with thewall 35, as shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. A fluid inlet/outlet port37 is provided in the cylinder wall 41, as shown in FIG. 4 a of thedrawings. At the top of the upper section there is provided a lid 39that substantially follows the contours of a side wall 41 and furtherprovides a limit point for how far the piston 43, 45, 47 may travel inthat direction. An aperture 49 is provided in the side wall 51, whichprovides an external connection to the mains water supply. Acompressible spring 53 provided in cooperation with the piston whichacts to return the piston to its equilibrium position when the valve isclosed.

The valve piston stem 45 extends downwardly into the lower section ofthe valve and terminates in a plug 55, the lower outer edges of whichare tapered inwardly to provide a seal between the piston and the drumwall when the valve is closed. The seal may be broken and the valveopened by raising the piston. As shown in FIG. 3, a concentric collar 57may be provided around the lower end of the valve, the collar 57surrounding the piston head 59 and being connected to the underside ofthe piston stem seal 29 a at the top and connected to the inner face ofthe drum 3 at the bottom. A plurality of generally arch shaped apertures61 are formed around the bottom of the collar 57 to allow ingress ofwater from the drum 3 when the piston 43, 45, 63 is raised and the valveis therefore open. This opening action is facilitated by mains waterpressure entering the upper section of the valve through the aperture49, thereby exerting pressure on the lower face of the piston head seal33 a that provides a liquid-tight seal between itself and thesurrounding inner face of the wall 51 of the upper section so as toforce the piston 43, 45, 63 upwards towards its limit at the lid 39.Whilst in this position water may pass from inside the drum 3, throughthe plurality of arch shaped apertures 61 and be purged from the drum 3through the purging aperture 13. When the mains pressure is no longerpresent the spring 53 causes the piston to return to its closedposition. A dump valve 27 as described is particularly beneficial as maybe actively controlled, rather than functioning passively, and may beactivated when the drum is stationary as well as when the drum isspinning. This provides an increased amount of control of the washingmachine. When the drum is rotating at a critical speed, during a spincycle, for example, the valve opens by the piston 43, 45, 47 liftingupwards (in relation to the diagram of FIG. 3) such that arch shapedapertures 61 formed around the bottom of the collar enable watertherethrough. Additionally, when the drum is stationary, the valve canbe opened through the application of water pressure through aperture 49.

Referring to FIG. 5 of the drawings, a washing machine according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a drum 101anchored to a base 103 via four separate damping means. As the drum 101is actuated round its axis of rotation 105 it causes lateral vibrationsthat would, if anchored to the base 103 alone, cause the washing machineto fall over. A heater unit 107 is provided under the drum 101 forheating cold water for use during a wash cycle. Ballasting means 109 areprovided comprising one or more interconnected hollow containers of astrong yet light material, such as a high density polymer. Theballasting means 109 is connected to the cold water source at its inletpoint and further connected to the drum at its outlet point, such thatcold water enters via the inlet, fills the ballasting means 109 to adesirable level and may further overflow into the drum itself or bepumped there. There is a facility for the outlet of the ballasting means109 to pass directly to the heater 107 prior to entering the drum 101,or alternatively the heater 107 may be provided within the ballastingmeans 109.

The heater unit 107 could comprise standard resistance elements, orpossibly microwave heating means.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a divided ballast tank according to a furtherexemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a ballast tank111 divided into three chambers 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, each chamber beingseparate from one another, with the exception of a valve 113 thatprovides a connection between adjacent chambers. Each chamber 111 a, 111b, 111 c has an independent energy source 115 a, 115 b, 115 c as well asan outlet pipe 117 a, 117 b, 117 c through which water may pass to thedrum. There is also provided a water input means 119 a, 119 b, 119 c toeach chamber 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, so that cold water from the mains canbe introduced to the chambers. Alternatively, there could be one waterinput per cluster of three chambers 111 a, 111 b, 111 c and the internalvalves 113 could be used to distribute the water therebetween. In thisembodiment, the water contained in each chamber 111 a, 111 b, 111 c canbe heated independently from one another, such that if a wash cycle ischosen by a user that only requires a small quantity of water, a singlechamber, say 111 a, could be heated and pumped (not shown) to the drumby way of the outlet pipe 117 a, rather than heating an equivalentchamber three times its volume and then only using a third of it. Theprogramming system 210 of the washing machine controls when the energysources 115 a, 115 b, 115 c are turned on and off as well as the outletfunctions 117 a, 117 b, 117 c, in relation to a chosen input by a user.This presents obvious energy saving benefits as only the water requiredfor an imminent wash is heated, thereby saving the energy necessary toheat the unused water.

The internal valves 113 help to maintain the stability of the machine byletting water flow between the ballast chambers 111 a, 111 b, 111 c,such that there is no uneven weight distribution that could cause themachine to fall over as it operates. Ensuring the tanks aresymmetrically drawn down also helps in this regard.

The chambers 111 a, 111 b, 111 c may be of equal size or may be providedin different sizes to suit different wash cycles chosen by the user.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in a further aspect of the present invention aset of four spring-loaded castor wheel arrangements are incorporatedinto the base of the washing machine body 125, being arranged with onein each corner. The spring loaded castor wheel arrangements eachcomprise a castor wheel 127, the top end of which is connected to astrong compressible spring 129 that sits within, and may be fixed to,the top inner face of a substantially vertical hole, recessed in thebase of the washing machine body 125. Castor wheels are stated by way ofexample and may be replaced by any transport means that are notdirectionally fixed, to increase the maneuverability of the washingmachine.

The strength of each spring is such that when the ballast of the machineis empty the castor wheels 127 protrude from the base of the washingmachine body 125 and are in communication with the floor 131, allowingthe machine to be easily movable across the floor 131 (as shown in FIG.3 a). When the ballast within the machine is filled with liquid, theextra weight compresses the springs 129 such that the machine dropsdownwardly towards the floor 131 and engages the floor 131 with fourprotruding rubber studs 133 (see FIG. 3 b). Although springs 129 arestated for use in the system, it should be noted that any means thatprovides a similar action may be used alternatively or in combination. Aset of rubber, (or any material with a reasonable coefficient offriction), studs 133 are provided on the base of the machine, to providefriction that opposes any lateral movement generated when the machine isin use.

When it is required to move the washing machine, the ballast may bedrained, thereby reducing the overall weight acting on the springs 129and as such the wheels 127 deploy from the base of the washing machinebody 125 causing the washing machine body to raise from the floor 131(and with it the rubber studs 133) so that the machine may be freely‘wheeled’ to its desired position.

Because each castor wheel 127 is independently spring-loaded, it allowsfor any uneven areas in the floor to be compensated for, both whenmoving the machine and when it is stationary. The system described couldbe replaced by having a common connection between the four castor wheels127 that is itself spring loaded, but this would require a strongerspring and reduce the ability to compensate for uneven surfaces.

Referring to FIG. 8, a schematic drawing of a menu arrangement 200 isshown. It comprises essentially three concentric ovals, the inner twobeing formed by a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 201, 203, orOrganic Light Emitting Drodes (OLEDs) with an equal number in each oval.The outer oval takes the form of textual annotations relating torespective pairs of LEDs 201, 203 such that for each inner LED 201,there is an intermediate LED 203 and an associated outer sentence oftext 205 representative of a function.

The inner oval of LEDs represents a ‘selection cursor’ 203 that can beshifted, ideally in either direction, in accordance with the manualrotation of a multi-functional button. The cursor aspect is achieved bylighting only one of the LEDs at a time, so manually rotating the buttonwill cause the lighted LED to appear to move around the ovalaccordingly.

The intermediate oval of LED's provide a ‘selected indicator’ 201,corresponding to which of the functions have been selected by moving thecursor 203 such that it is as close to the indicator 201 as can be, thenselecting that function by pressing the same multi-functional button.This will illuminate the indicator 201, and subsequently ensure thatwhen the selection process is complete and the appliance is started thefunction associated with the text 205 corresponding to the indicator 201will run. Unlike the cursor 203 level, the indicator 201 level is notlimited to a single LED being lit at any one time, but is constrained inthat only one 201 may light within mutually exclusive sub-groups (forexample temperature).

Once all the required functions have been indicated 201 by the cursor203 the start function may be initiated to begin the appliance cycle inthe same way that functions are selected.

At the end of a complete operation the appliance stores details of thecompleted operation in an internal task memory. The task memory alwayscontains the details of the last 3 operations, such that if it isdesired to repeat the last operation again, or the third from last forthat matter, it could be achieved by simply selecting a single commandrather than having to indicate 201 each separate function again. It isvery simple to ‘tweak’ an operation from task memory should it bedesirable to complete an almost identical operation with someadjustment.

Some of the functions contain inherent data for some other functions,that is automatically applied when they themselves are selected. Anexample would be if selecting the function “wool” from within thematerials sub-group. This would automatically select a low temperatureto stop the wool shrinking during the wash. The arrangement of the menusystem is such that the most often used functions are nearest to thecursor starting point and the least often used the furthest away,contributing to a simple selection.

The appliance may also be paused during operation, turned on and turnedoft by pressing the multi-functional button 207.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a pull out module or “drawer” 209 is shown thatis housed at the front of the machine in a convenient and easilyaccessible position. The lit menu arrangement 201 is shown as situatedon the upper face 211 of the drawer, such that when the drawer 209 isretracted from the machine the lit menu arrangement 201 becomes visibleto the user. A multi-functional button 207 is provided on the front face213 of the draw to control the programming system. As well as using thelit menu arrangement 200 to view selections when controlling theappliance, there is further provided a display panel in the form of anLCD screen 215 situated on the front face 213 of the drawer 209. Thescreen 215 is normally visible, regardless of the position of the drawer209, and can display a limited quantity of information (e.g. the lastone or more programs selected by the user) such that it is not alwaysnecessary to retract the draw 209 in order to select a wash function.This can save the menu arrangement 201 and module 209 from getting asdirty as they might otherwise get.

The system delivers two key benefits—simplicity and ease of use throughone button operation and task memory as well as the ability to easilycustomise operations to the exact need of the user. The dual displaymeans can for example, be configured to help the user to view and easilyselect the last three washes they used (and/or most popular washes), thestage of the wash cycle while in operation and easily customise anyelement of it in terms of temperature, spin speed, start time and so on.Additionally for example, a user can over-ride the system such that thewash can be paused at any time.

Referring now to FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings, a diagram of aprogramming system according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention is shown, embodied as a washing machine. The system comprisesa front screen 220 that is built in to the front face of the washingmachine, at a convenient height to be viewed by a user, that displays aprogram code that can be changed and manipulated by use of amulti-functional button 222. The front screen may comprise an LCD array,OLED display or any other means capable of displaying text and numbersin relation to an electrical signal. A program menu 224 is provided onthe top of the washing machine's drum (although it may be providedanywhere that is easily accessible to the user), providing acomprehensive list of all the user-definable program choices availableto the user. The program menu 224 is either printed on the top of thedrum 226 or may be a liquid-resistant sticker or sheet of a materialthat is adhered to its location. The multi-functional button 222 isutilised by rotation to scroll through the available program menu 224options as its elements are displayed in sequence on the front screen220. Pressing the button 222 will result in a ‘select’ function thatchooses whatever program is represented by the text appearing on thefront screen 220 at the time it is pressed. Depending on which programis itself ‘selected’, further options may be available to be eitherselected or not and so on. In this way all the possible programs andtheir associated sub-options may be scrolled-through and selected asdesired to initiate a wash. FIG. 11 indicates an exemplary embodiment ofthe display on the front screen utilising a layered menu suitable formanipulation by the multi-functional button 222.

Referring now to FIG. 11 in detail, pressing the button 222 for thefirst time turns the front screen 220 on and activates the first display230. Rotation of the button 222 causes scrolling through the pre-setprogram menu 220. The first screen also provides an indication, forexample, of the levels of detergent and/or conditioner. Options forhighlighting deficiencies in these levels can be achieved by displayingthe respective text highlighted with the appropriate information, orproviding flashing LEDs for example.

Depressing the button 222, once the required program is selected, takesthe user to the next selection menu 232, through which further optionsare provided. Scrolling to “back” and depressing the button 222 takesthe user to first (or previous) display 230, “start” takes the user tofurther display 234, and scrolling to “options” then pressing button 222takes the user to another display 236. Display 232 indicates the detailsof the program. If “start” is selected on the display 232 by scrollingto “start” and pressing button 222, display 234 appears indicating thetime left, the details of the program selected, and options forcancelling and/or pausing the program. If “pause” is selected byscrolling to this option, pressing button 222 pauses the program anddisplay 238 appears.

Depressing button 222 when the “options” choice is scrolled to ondisplay 232 activates a further display 236 providing more detailedoptions for the program. Examples are control of detergent, conditioner,energysave, rinsehold, prewash, spin speed and delay. It button 222 isscrolled to “delay”, and pressed, scrolling of button 222 can then varythe delay time period.

A user can again choose to replicate any of a finite number (say three)of his/her last defined wash programs with a single action using programmemory as is described above.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 16 of the accompanying drawings, a drivelinkage 330 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated in which the input and output components are arotating shaft 332 and a washing machine drum 333 respectively. Therotating shaft 332 passes through a bearing 334, contained in a bearinghousing 334 a, to a hub 336 having a door closing mechanism 338 formedintegrally therewith. The input linkage arms 340 a are generally in theform of a back to front ‘S’ shape when viewed at a plane parallel to theback face of the drum 333, the ‘S’ having an elongated start and finishline and the two angles defining the middle section being inwardlyangled at substantially 90 degrees. When viewed from a plane parallel tothe side of the drum 333 the input linkage arms 340 a again have agenerally ‘chicane’ shape, to follow the surface contours of thecircular depression formed centrally at the rear of the drum. At eitherend of the input-end linkage arms 340 a there is formed a lateralcircular aperture for receiving a linkage shaft that ultimately forms ahinge-joint when mated with corresponding output-end linkage arms 340 b.

The input-end linkage arms 340 a, in use, sit adjacent to a equalplurality of output-end linkage arms 340 a, of substantially similarshape such that they fit side by side allowing a single common linkageshaft to pass through one of the concentric lateral circular apertures342 a, 342 b of a pair such that they may rotate in this permitted planerelative to one another and as such form a hinge 344. As stated abovethe distal end of each input-end linkage arm 340 a is connected to thehub 336. The distal end of an output-end linkage arms 340 a is mountedto the rear face of the drum 333, therefore giving a configuration suchthat the rotating shaft 302 and the drum 310 are in rotatablecommunication in accordance with the input, yet the two are permitted tomove longitudinally relative to one another.

It is the manner in which the arms 340 a, 340 b interact that enablesthe movement of the drum 333 relative to the drive arrangement, i.e. thehinge 344 permits the longitudinal displacement. The manner in which thearms 340 a, 340 b are configured means also that there is no permittedrelative movement (bar play) in terms of rotation and this is essentialto the invention. Similarly, in another exemplary embodiment, thelinkage arms 340 a, 340 b could be replaced by a rotatably-rigid spring,that permitted separation between its two ends but was rigid enough totranslate any applied rotation at one end to the other. In a furtherembodiment the linkage arms 340 a, 340 b could be replaced by a numberof strong telescopic members, that would allow for longitudinalseparation but contemporaneously were strong enough to provide therotational translation.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 15 and 16, the drive linkage is shownin its open configuration 350, where the drive shaft 332 and the drum333 are no longer immediately proximal. Whereas in the configuration ofFIG. 14, the two sets of linkage arms 340 a, 340 b are adjacent alongtheir length, in the illustrated configuration, they are now only so atthe point where the common linkage shaft passes through one of theconcentric lateral circular apertures 342 a, 342 b of a pair. The distalends 352, 354 of the linkage arms 340 a, 340 b are thus separatedthrough longitudinal movement of the drum 333, thereby providing apermanent linkage that allows a longitudinal separation between theinput and output components.

In an alternative embodiment, the drive may be coupled directly to thedrum by means of a coupling that can be selectively disconnected andreconnected to enable the required longitudinal movement of the drumrelative to the drive.

Referring to FIG. 17 of the accompanying drawings, a dispensing system400 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the fifth aspect of thepresent invention, comprises a detergent pod 402 containing liquiddetergent 404 and a liquid fabric softener pod 406 containing liquidfabric softener 108. The two pods 402, 406 may be made of a rigid, lightweight polymer, however any similar material, resistant to the intendedcontents would be suitable and the present invention is not necessarilyintended to be limited in this regard. The pods 402, 406 are mounted inor on a washing machine at a suitable location. The size of the pods402, 406 are limited by the free space available, but beneficially, eachpod 402, 406 might be large enough to hold enough of the respectivesubstance for several washes. The two pods 402, 406 are commonlyconnected to a regulating means 410 by way of a detergent transfer pipe412 and a softener transfer pipe 414 respectively. A respective motor416, 418 (in communication with an internal pump (not shown)) at theback of each reservoir 402, 406 enables the contents of each to beintroduced to the drum 420 in accordance with a control signal generatedby the regulating means 410.

The regulating means 410 is a valve that is, by default, closed suchthat neither the detergent 404 or the softener 408 flow. The regulatingmeans 410 has a first input to which the detergent transfer pipe isconnected and a second input to which the softener transfer pipe 414 isconnected, as well as an outlet channel 422 leading into the drum 420 ofthe washing machine. The regulating means 410 may be an actuated valveor any other means for ensuring that the respective substances 404, 408do not enter the drum 420 when it is not desired. The regulating means410, in the case of it being an actuated valve, is connected to andcontrolled by the programming system 424 that signals when and for howlong the valve 410 should be open and accordingly, how long the motors416, 418 should be driven to dispense a desired quantity of consumable404, 408, based on the specific size and/or type of load to be washed(as indicated by the program selected by the user and/or any additionalinformation input by the user and/or the weight of the load to bewashed). In a preferred embodiment, information provided on the weightof the laundry and program selected are used by the system 424 todetermine the optimum quantity of detergent and/or conditioner required.Voice recognition means may be provided for this purpose, so that a userwho may be visually impaired or otherwise disabled may provide therequired information to the programming system controlling theregulating means 410.

Feedback means is present both at a software and hardware level, with anintegral computer program that checks the state of components, such asthe valve 410 and motors 416, 418 to ensure compliance with the programstates, and buoyant means may be provided inside the pods 402, 406 thatcan register a decrease in the level of the respective substances 404,408, as well as signal the programming system 424 when a pod is nearlyempty, so that a warning signal, such as an indicator light visible tothe user, can be switched on.

The system 400 dispenses the correct quantity of liquid detergent 404and/or liquid softener 408 directly into the wash at the correct timesin accordance with the programming system 424 that operates theunderlying components 416, 418, 410. Means are provided 425 to measureor otherwise input the weight of the load to be washed, and it is thisweight that the programming system uses to determine the quantity oflaundry substance to be dispensed.

The weight of the washing may be determined by a variety of means 425,such as displacement of the damper (not shown) which provides support tothe drum, or alternatively displacement of the drum itself. The weightof the contents of the drum may then be calculated. Without such ameasurement and calculation, the system cannot be fully automatic and assuch would require an additional input value, most commonly at a userinterface. This measurement and the value derived dictates the volume ofwater (and inadvertently the quantity of energy required to heat thewater), the volume of detergent, the volume of conditioner and theamount of any other washing substances required to be added to the wash.It will therefore be appreciated that efficiency is optimised, whilstadditionally the optimum quantities of additives to be wash may be used,increasing economy and improving the quality of the wash. Informationreceived from the measuring device by the programming system 424 is thenfed to the regulating means 410 (for example the internal pump (notshown)) to administer the correct quantities. Information embedded inthe system 400 at manufacture stage, or at least before sale to an enduser, and selectable during a special “set up” program allows for thequantities to be manipulated depending on geographical locationregarding hardening of the water.

Referring now to FIG. 18, as second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention shows a similar system 400 to that described in FIG. 1. Thesystem 400 again comprises two pods 402, 406, containing consumablesubstances 404, 408 as in the previous embodiment. In this embodiment,however, no motors are used to convey the respective substances 404, 408into the drum 420. The detergent transfer pipe 412 and a softenertransfer pipe 414 each terminate in an actuated valve 430, 432,controlled by a signal generated by the programming system 424 thatsignals when they should open and for how long. Both valves 430, 432 areclosed by default, therefore allowing no substance 404, 408 to pass intothe drum 420. When a signal is sent by the programming system 424, inrelation to an input derived from the weighing means 425, the relevantvalves 430, 432 will open, resulting in a quantity of substance 404, 408flowing, by way of gravity, through the open valve and into the drum.The quantity dispensed is determined by the viscosity of the substanceand the duration that the valve is open. The programming system 424 willhave information relating to the viscosity of the substances 404, 408,and thereby stipulates the correct time for the valve(s) to remain in anopen state again dependent on the program cycle, weight of the laundryetc. The programming system may have a range of such values so thatdifferent types of substance 404, 408 can be used and the user is notrestricted in this regard to one particular type/brand. The user maymanually identify the type of substance 404, 408 is being used to fillthe pods 402, 406 at the time of doing so.

Feedback means is again included, both at a software and hardware level,with an integral computer program that checks the state of the valves430, 432 to ensure compliance with the program states, and buoyant meansmay be provided inside the pods 402, 406 that can register a decrease inthe level of the respective substances 404, 408, as well as signal theprogramming system 424 when a pod is nearly empty, so that a warningsignal, such as an indicator light visible to the user, can be switchedon. As there are no motors included in this embodiment, the integralcomputer program receives signals from the buoyant means as a check thatthe levels are indeed decreasing as the valves 430, 432 are open toensure an alarm is sounded if ‘no flow’ is detected.

Referring now to FIG. 19 of the drawings, a system is shown according toa third embodiment of the fifth aspect of the present invention. Thesystem in this embodiment is essentially the same as that of embodiment1 (and also applicable to embodiment 2) with the exception that the pods406, 402, in this instance, are not fixed within the machine. The pods406, 402 here are designed to be removable from the washing machine witha view to allowing them to be washed out before refilling to prevent thesubstance within congealing and hindering the dispensing capability. Thepods 406, 402 are accepted into an orifice in the body of the washingmachine (not shown) which is of similar dimension to the circumference,or general outer dimensions, of the pods 406, 402, such that they arecomfortably accepted therein. The orifice in the body of the washingmachine is located on the front face of the machine in a preferredembodiment. This enables the machine to be either free-standing orlocated under worktops. A dispensing nozzle at one end of the pod 406,402 interfaces with a housing 440 (within the orifice in the exterior ofthe washing machine) that has a further

to be supplied to the system pumps 416, 418 and valve 410 as well assignalling the programming system 424 that a pod is in place. Analternative embodiment of this specific arrangement is described withreference to FIG. 4. The nozzle at one end of the pod 406, 402 mayincorporate a special valve arranged and configured such that free flowof washing substances are enabled when installed, however washingsubstances do not leak out on removal and installation. The pods 406,402 can be of different shape to one another so that there is noconfusion when filling them with substance, as it is known that whenliquid detergent and fabric softener are mixed it provides a solutionextremely habitable for bacterial growth. If this is the case then therespective orifices in the washing machine body for accepting the pods406, 402 will be of corresponding shape. It is preferable that the pods406, 402 comprise of a clear or transparent material to aid a user tosee the colour of the substance inside, to further reduce the chance ofconfusion when re-filling. To additionally avoid confusion, these podsalso reside on different sides of the machine. In a preferredalternative embodiment, the system pumps 416, 418 may be metering pumpsthat actually meter the amount of respective substance being dispensed.In this case, the valve could be omitted and there may be two dispensingtubes to avoid cross-contamination between laundry substances, or aseparating valve may be provided for the same purpose, thereby reducingbacterial growth, dirt and congealing. Additionally, after the washingsubstance is administered through the valve 410 and into the system,water which may or may not be heated is flushed through under pressureto wash the substance into the drum.

Referring to FIG. 20, a fourth embodiment of the fifth aspect of thepresent invention is described which may be utilised in conjunction withor excluding features of the first to third embodiment, and inparticular provides additional beneficial features to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

Water enters the drum through hot and cold water channels 450, 452, andinlets to channels 450, 452 are provided to enable detergent and/orconditioner to pass therethrough. It will be appreciated thatalternatively a single channel may be utilised. The pump 416, 418 pumpsthe required volume of detergent or conditioner into the channel 450,452 dependent on the information received from the programming system424, which in turn receives information including the weight of laundryin the drum thereby ensuring the correct volume of detergent and/orconditioner is administered. In this embodiment of the presentinvention, an additional docking module 454 is provided between the pods406, 402 and pump 416, 418. This docking module 454 is a fixed reservoirlocated at the rear of the washing apparatus behind, and incommunication with, pods 406, 402. The docking module 454 contains afemale mating valve 456 having an automatic opening and closing devicewhen linked to pods 406, 402. When in use, the docking module 454 alwayscontains a quantity of washing fluid (detergent/conditioner) when thepods 406, 402 are empty. This enables pods 406, 402 to be removed andcleared by a user, and also ensures that the pump 416, 418 never driesout thereby preventing the pump having to be purged every time the pod406, 402 is empty. This therefore removes the mismatch of quantity oflaundry substance delivered compared to the quantity required based onthe program selected and weight of laundry. The docking module 454 canfurther detect when the pod 406, 402 is out of laundry substance andprovides and indication of this fact to a user, and additionally allowsfor a fully automated operation.

The pods may be off the shelf items that are disposable once empty,removing the need for any cleaning and also reducing the probability ofcross-contamination. Again, these pods may be of a different shape toone another to further reduce the possibility of confusion between them,and are sealed after filling on production to avoid drying out. Thesemay be disposed of to be biodegraded.

Although the above-described embodiments include two pods, it will beappreciated that any number of pods may be provided, depending on thetype and number of substances, required to be administered during alaundry cycle. In conclusion, each of the embodiments described mayoptionally provide the significant benefit that the optimum amount ofwashing substances such as detergent and softener at the correct timeare provided in the wash cycle according to the weight of the clothesand the wash program selected. This enables optimal amount of detergentand softener to be used at the optimal time, thereby maximising washperformance minimising waste, and negating the need to fill the washingapparatus with liquids each time a program is run.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments of the variousaspects of the present invention illustrates rather than limits theinvention, and that those skilled in the art will be capable ofdesigning many alternative embodiments without departing from the scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the claims, anyreference signs placed in parentheses shall not be construed as limitingthe claims. The word “comprising” and “comprises”, and the like, doesnot exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed inany claim or the specification as a whole. The singular reference of anelement does not exclude the plural reference of such elements andvice-versa. The invention may be implemented by means of hardwarecomprising several distinct elements. In a device claim enumeratingseveral means, several of these means may be embodied by one and thesame item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recitedin mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that acombination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

1. A drum for a washing machine, the drum comprising a generallycylindrical receptacle which is rotatably mounted within a washingmachine housing and has an opening for loading and unloading laundry,wherein said receptacle is defined by a substantially solid outer wallhaving at least one aperture therein, and means for guiding liquidpurged from said laundry upon rotation of said drum towards said atleast one aperture such that said liquid is expelled from saidreceptacle via said at least one aperture.
 2. A drum according to claim1, wherein said means for guiding liquid purged from the laundry uponrotation of the drum towards said at least one aperture comprises achannel, preferably having a proximal deep end and a distal shallowerend, relative to said at least one aperture, such that rotation of thedrum forces the liquid from the shallower end to the deep end and saidliquid is expelled from the receptacle via said at least one aperture 3.A drum according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of said channels areprovided for guiding said liquid purged from said laundry upon rotationof said drum towards said at least one aperture.
 4. A drum according toclaim 1, wherein said drum is provided with a plurality of apertures andone of more respective channels are provided to guide said liquid purgedfrom said laundry upon rotation of said drum towards each of saidplurality of apertures.
 5. A drum according to claim 4, wherein aplurality of said channels guide said liquid purged from said laundryupon rotation of said drum towards said plurality of apertures.
 6. Adrum according to claim 5, wherein said plurality of said channels areprovided in a herringbone configuration.
 7. A drum according claim 1,wherein a valve is provided within said at least one aperture to controlthe flow of said liquid through said aperture.
 8. A drum according toclaim 7, wherein each said aperture in said drum is provided with saidvalve.
 9. A drum according to claim 7 wherein said valve is actuated bymains water pressure.
 10. A drum according to claim 7 claim 7, whereinsaid valve is actuated by a centrifugal force generated by the rotationof said generally cylindrical receptacle.
 11. A drum according to claim1, wherein said opening comprises a hatch, said hatch being liquid lightwhen in a closed position and permitting the loading and unloading oflaundry when in an open position.
 12. (canceled)
 13. A washing machinecomprising: a drum according to claim 1, said drum being rotatablymounted in a housing; drive means for rotating said drum during a washcycle; and control means for controlling one or more parameters of awash cycle, wherein said control means comprises means for interruptinga wash cycle and permitting access to said opening in said drum.
 14. Awashing machine according to claim 13, wherein said opening is providedin a side wall of said drum and said control means is arranged andconfigured to halt rotation of said drum so as to interrupt a wash cyclewhen said opening is at or close to top dead centre (TDC) of said drum,such that access to said opening can be permitted whilst retainingliquid within said drum. 15-74. (canceled)
 75. A drum according to claim3, wherein said plurality of said channels are provided in a herringboneconfiguration.